Puppies Rescued From Euthanasia Need Homes For The Holidays
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Cute and cuddly puppies were brought to Westchester County Sunday, after narrowly escaping death in euthanasia chambers.
But now they need homes, hopefully in time for the holidays.
As CBS 2's Amy Dardashtian reported, it was a long trip from Mississippi to Westchester for dozens of scared and tired puppies. They are the babies of strays that were sentenced to die in gas chambers after just days at overcrowded southern shelters.
"They unfortunately have to, after sometimes just four, five days, euthanize litters of puppies, moms, young dogs that up here are really adoptable," said Lisa Bonanno of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In one truck were popular breeds – a black lab named Ruby, a shepherd chow-chow mix named Johnny, and two scruffy Yorkie terriers – Lady, and her counterpart, the Tramp.
"Some are just found on the sides of the roads, in ditches, just on the side of the road running around," Bonanno said.
Bonanno said in the South, spaying and neutering is not common, and underfunded shelters have to put many puppies down. But every few months local college students save as many of the puppies as they can.
Lady, 1 year old, was found in the parking lot of a gas station in Mississippi. Now, she and her 35 friends need homes for the holidays,
"A lot of times, they are really nervous, but we get them comfortable," Bonanno said.
To prepare the puppies for homes, the SPCA puts them in foster homes for a week. Volunteers socialize them, build trust, and learn their personalities.
"They need to be able to know that they can count on you, and that you're not going to hurt them, and that you're there to help them, so love is the most important thing," Bonanno said.
Before the puppies go out the door, they are vaccinated and given a clean bill of health. Because the puppies are so young, the SPCA said most easily overcome their abandonment.
"They're really great house pets, and they're really sweet," one girl said.
If you are interested in adopting one or more of the dogs, contact the SCPA of Westchester.
What do you think about the practice of euthanizing healthy puppies? Leave your comments below...
